Presidents Ride 2014

This annual event takes part at the end of the summer, and draws together riders from all the clubs across Chester and North Wales, from Caernarfon through to Two Mills on the Wirral.  Today 46 members congregated at Walk Mill, the start point for this years ride.

All at the start - can you spot fab ladies tops and Chester riders?

Important ride information and stuff from Mike

We set off in quite large groups, which soon settled into smaller sections, and we were encouraged to ride with someone you do not usually see - chance to make friends across our member group (Chester CTC is part of Chester and North Wales,which is in turn of course part of the National CTC - just in case you didn't know or had forgotten!).  





It was lovely to see Doreen from Criccieth, who leads a growing group on Thursdays, Ifor from Menai, I rode a bit with Darryl from Prestatyn who likes long distance audaxes and has many tales to tell.  Roy from Colwyn Bay, right to ride rep often seen on the coastal paths and beyond (I always bump into him on route 5!), Wrexham riders, Two Mills, Wednesdays (day riders) and even a select 6 Chester riders - a really good spread!

Leaving Walk Mill, the sun is out

We were heading for the memorial hall in Tilston, and we had a choice of two routes - to be honest I just followed other people, which makes a nice change from route finding and leading!














Familiar lanes rolled by as the weather improved and became more sunny - and then I had a puncture.  A few friends stopped to help, as groups passed by, all asking if we were OK.  John lent his gas cannister (super quick inflation, no idea what psi!) and we were able to continue on our way.  We passed two riders, but no-one else as we headed past Farndon, to Shocklach and then Malpas before the final downhill all the way to Tilston.  

Ooooh - Pavlova!

We were late (only 15 mins!) but the feeding could then begin.  A fabulous cold buffet included in the £10 ticket price - cold meats, salads and then pavlova and black forest gateau followed by tea and coffee.

this year Ifor from Menai
won the presidents trophy

Presidents brief speech, presenting the presidents trophy (no category, just who is felt to meet some sort of achievement for the club this year or over the years), Raffle prizes, and time to head off again.  



Round Carden Park, Tattenhall, Beeston, Huxley - and too close to the 50p shop not to stop at Christines cafe - so sunny so lovely to sit outside on the last Sunday in September!

Beeston - in case you don't recognise it!